EA011111B1 - System comprising a master unit and a plurality of slave units for operating a plurality of devices - Google Patents

Abstract

System comprising at least one master unit (25) and a plurality of slave units (10, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23), wherein said master unit and said slave units comprise means for performing communication via radio frequency channels. The at least one master unit comprises means for transmitting control signals to said slave units, and the slave units are each provided with a unique address and are each associated with a controllable device. The at least one master unit comprises means for executing a sequential transmission of control signals to at least one of said slave units upon activation of a function control key.

Description

The present invention relates to a system comprising at least one main unit and a plurality of auxiliary units, the main unit and the auxiliary units comprise means for implementing preferably two-way communication over radio frequency channels, wherein the above mentioned at least one main unit comprises means for transmitting control signals to the aforementioned auxiliary units, each of the above auxiliary units is given a unique address, and each of which is interconnected with a controlled device.

The level of technology

In control systems of the above type, managing multiple devices can be time consuming and relatively complex.

In the prior art, systems were described by which the task of improving user convenience was posed and solved. An example of such a system is described in EP 1340198 B1, in which a certain number of blocks could be associated with a remote control during the configuration initialization procedure. After that, a group configuration could be formed, in which the blocks can be selected one by one and combined into a separate group. Thus, the number of groups could be specified, including the number of devices that can be controlled simultaneously. However, the user may constantly want to use the remote control many times in order to achieve the desired settings of various devices. Thus, the user is usually inclined to refrain from utilizing the full potential of daily comfort and so on, which can be achieved by means of remotely controlled devices that are accessible to the user, since this can cause inconvenience due to the need to use the remote control a large number of times.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide such a system that has improved usability, and through which it will be easy to perform operations on multiple devices.

It is also an object of the invention to provide such a system that saves time, for example, such as a home automated system whereby a user can benefit in a relatively simple way.

Accordingly, the main objective of the invention is to improve the everyday comfort of the user, for example, encouraging the user to take advantage of the available controlled devices of the home automation system, to some extent adapted to the user's needs.

These and other objectives are achieved in the present invention, as will be shown later in more detail.

Summary of Invention

The present invention relates to a system comprising at least one main unit and a plurality of auxiliary units, the aforementioned main unit and auxiliary units comprise means for providing communication over a radio frequency channel, wherein the aforementioned at least one main unit contains means for transmitting control signals of the aforementioned auxiliary units, each of the above auxiliary units is provided with a unique address and each of them is interconnected with the device being controlled, and at this m aforementioned at least one master unit comprises means for performing a sequential transmission of control signals to at least one of the auxiliary units in response to an indication of initialization.

Thus, it is achieved that the sequential operation of one or several devices interconnected with the auxiliary unit can be performed by a simple command that initializes, for example, a sequential action that was previously programmed by the user. Moreover, this can be achieved by allowing auxiliary units to be designed relatively simple, that is, the main unit will contain all the information regarding this action, all that is required is that the auxiliary units are able to perform one action at a given time. Also, the system can be flexible, for example, new blocks can be added to the system without affecting the already programmed actions.

Preferably, as disclosed in claim 2, the main unit contains timing means to ensure the delay in performing the aforementioned transmission of control signals.

Thus, it is achieved that time-dependent execution of actions can be implemented, for example, sequential transmission of control signals can contain a control signal transmitted, for example, to a window control device 30 minutes after activating a function control key in order to obtain an opening window, for example , by 25%, and after another, for example, 10 minutes later, the next control signal is transmitted, ordering the window control device to close the window completely.

Another preferred embodiment is disclosed in clause 3 of the claims, in which the main unit may contain means for storing information relating to the above after

- 1,011,111 validated transmissions, such as addressing information for individual auxiliary units, control information, time information, etc.

Advantageously, as disclosed in claim 4, the auxiliary units may be configured to transmit a confirmation signal to the main unit in response to the received control signal.

Thus, in the case where the auxiliary unit did not successfully receive the control signal when performing sequential actions, an indication of this may be shown on the main unit, and / or the main unit may perform a retransmission step of this particular control signal, possibly after a delay interval for that to perform the desired action.

Another preferred embodiment is disclosed in claim 5, in which the main unit can be configured to transmit a status request signal to said auxiliary units that received the control signal, and the above-mentioned main unit can be configured to transmit the above-mentioned status request signal after a period a delay corresponding to the time required for the auxiliary unit to perform the action in response to the received control signal.

Thus, it is achieved that the main unit will be informed whether the desired operation is performed successfully and further, this takes place when the connection is limited to the minimum necessary, thus also providing the possibility of energy-saving operation of the main unit, for example, to save battery energy. For example, if a control signal ordering to completely close the window from the fully open position was transmitted to the window control device, the auxiliary unit calculates the time that the window control device takes to perform this work and transmits this value to the main unit, for example, when the signal confirmation is transmitted from the auxiliary unit to the main one. At the calculated point in time, possibly extended with a minimum additional interval, the main unit transmits a status request signal to a specific auxiliary unit, and the auxiliary unit responds to it, for example, signaling that the window is now completely closed. If the status report from the auxiliary unit indicates that the window control device is still operating, the main unit can transmit the next status request signal after a further period.

Advantageously, as disclosed in claim 6, the auxiliary unit may be addressed to said main unit in the number of sectors, wherein the main unit further has a means for assigning predetermined identifiers to the aforementioned auxiliary units, and the main unit has a display means by which The above predetermined identifiers can be displayed.

The aforementioned sectors can be, for example, groups that contain many identical or different blocks, rooms that contain many identical or different blocks, which belong, for example, to rooms in a house, or zones that contain many identical or different blocks that belong to more than one room, for example, in a house.

Preferably, as disclosed in claim 7, the main unit may be provided with at least one predetermined sequence of execution of the control signals, the above-mentioned predetermined sequence is executed after manipulating the above-mentioned function key of the control.

Thus, it is achieved that specific standard action programs can be easily accessed by the user, for example, a ventilation program that can serve, for example, to open all windows, for example, in a room, group or zone, when the function control key is operated and closed all windows after a predetermined period of time, it is possible to combine with other actions, such as, for example, dispensing or neutralizing heating facilities, for example, before opening all windows, set t rmostat in shutdown mode at the time of opening the windows.

Advantageously, as disclosed in Claim 8 of the claims, the main unit may be configured to allow modification of the above-mentioned at least one predetermined sequence of execution of the control signals.

Thus, it is achieved that the user can modify the above-mentioned standard programs, or the programs can be improved by the user in terms of the specific needs of the user.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, as disclosed in claim 9, the main unit can be configured to receive and store one or more software applications containing predetermined execution sequences of the control signals.

Thus, it has been achieved that the user can be provided with such software applications, for example, in terms of the needs of the user and / or equipment that is available, for example, in the user's home. For example, if a user purchases a new equipment in addition to an already installed equipment, it may be desirable to obtain one or not

- 2,011,111 how many new programs that are specifically designed for such equipment or combination of devices. If, for example, a user has a certain number of devices for managing windows and has now acquired a certain number of blinds for the above-mentioned windows, then a program designed, for example, for sun protection, may be a desirable option. Such a standard program may be provided or at some storage facility may be transferred to the main unit via, for example, a computer / PC, and / or may be provided via the Internet. In this way, the user can take advantage of new programs that are developed and delivered by the supplier (s). Such programs or additions to already stored programs can be transmitted to the main unit via, for example, a cable connection, for example, with a personal computer (PC) or transmitted over a wireless communication channel, for example, by means of radio transmission.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, as disclosed in paragraph 10 of the claims, the main unit can be configured to contain one or more software applications containing predetermined sequences of executable control signals, and the main unit is configured to activate one or more of the above programs, depending on the properties of the system and depending on the solution (user).

Thus, it is achieved that the main unit can store a number of programs that may not be active, for example, programs that are stored in memory but not executed. When the main unit determines that the system has an activated property, such as status, a combination of equipment, or a separate type of equipment that corresponds to one of the stored programs that may be significant to the user, the main unit “prompts” the user to make this program active, that is, executable. The user can reject or confirm the activation of this program, in which case this program is “loaded”, and the user can easily use this program or can, for example, adapt this program to his individual requirements.

For example, a user who has a number of managed windows, but does not have other managed devices, will not benefit from a program that can perform automatic control, for example, Venetian blinds. That is, if the program is loaded into a working state in the main unit, it will only cause difficulties and possible user confusion. However, as soon as the user acquires, for example, Venetian blinds on the windows, the main unit will determine them, and when the system is updated, the main unit will offer the user a program that may be useful. If the user agrees, this program will become executable.

In accordance with additional aspects of the present invention, as disclosed in paragraph 11 of the claims, the aforementioned initial indication may comprise activating a control function key, timing device signals, or control signals received from a controller or sensor.

Thus it is achieved that the execution of one of the programs can be initiated in various ways. In the simplest case, initialization takes place by, for example, pressing a control function key or a soft key corresponding to the desired program. In another way, this program can be initiated by a signal from a time reference device, for example, at a certain time of the day, week, and / or year, or after a specified time, after the occurrence of some event. Moreover, the program can be initiated by a signal that is received by the main unit from, for example, a sensor or controller. For example, if a ventilation program was saved, in which, first of all, many windows are opened, the heating means is regulated, and after a certain period of time the windows are closed again, this program can be triggered by a signal from a temperature sensor indicating a high temperature, the signal of which is received by the main block, after which this program is initiated.

Preferably, as disclosed in claim 12, the main unit may comprise means for recording and storing a plurality of sequences corresponding to the successive transmission of control signals, the above means using at least one control function key.

Thus, the aforementioned programs can be assigned to specific keys, for example, by storing the recorded operations that use certain keys, of which the main unit can contain one or more, for example, two, three, four, etc.

A further preferred embodiment disclosed in claim 13 is that the main unit can be configured to perform a sequence corresponding to the sequential transmission of control signals by manipulating the above-mentioned at least one function key, and the main unit can be configured to perform a specific sequence, depending on the way in which the above-mentioned function keys switch, for example, the number keystrokes.

Thus it is achieved that the above programs can be associated with certain

- 3 011111 keys and be activated by the above keys, preferably by manipulating the number of keystrokes, which may correspond, for example, to the number of the corresponding program. If, for example, four programs were recorded and saved using such a soft key, they can be numbered - program 1, program 2, etc. That is, the activation of a specific program can be performed by pressing a softkey the appropriate number of times, for example, to activate program 3 by three taps. It will be obvious that for practical purposes the key cannot be operated within a predetermined time or with a maximum time limit between presses in order to register that successive presses indicate the number of a specific program.

In another preferred embodiment, as disclosed in claim 14, the main unit may be configured to perform a sequence corresponding to the sequential transmission of control signals by manipulating at least one control function key, and the main unit is configured to perform sequences, depending on the manipulations with the above-mentioned function key, and the stored sequences are activated by qi clinically.

In this way, a plurality of programs can be launched in a predetermined sequence, for example, programs 1 through 4, saved, for example, on the control function key P1. As discussed above, these programs can be started by pressing this key the appropriate number of times, in accordance with this embodiment, the first pressing of the key will initiate program 1. After some time, when the key is pressed again, program 2 and t will be initiated. It will also be obvious that if a key at some point in time is quickly pressed twice, the main unit will skip the first program in the queue and go to the next one to be executed, etc. Thus, the user will be spared the need to remember each program, that is, how many keystrokes correspond to a particular program, which saves the user from memorizing the daily routine. This, for example, may be a program that the user initiates when he wakes up, the second program is used when the user leaves the house, the third program is usually initiated when the user comes home from work, and the fourth program that is used before the user goes to sleep . Thus, these programs can simply be executed by pressing a soft key or, for example, the P1 key only once, and the user then simply needs to remember to initiate the programs at the appropriate points in the daily mode. If the user forgets to activate the program, then to restore compliance with the daily routine, simply by pressing the soft key twice at the next time point, the user can activate the soft key.

Preferably, as disclosed in clause 15 of the claims, the main unit may be configured to assign a label, such as a number or name, a stored sequence corresponding to the sequential transmission of control signals, and renaming is provided.

This improves the user experience, since the user can be directly informed by, for example, a suitable label or name presented on the display when a program is selected. For example, with the above four daily programs, the user can select and rename the first one to “Good morning”, the second to “Goodbye”, the third to “Back home” and the last to “Good night”. Thus, the corresponding programs will be more or less explained to the user, and the user may also be encouraged to create new programs that may be useful to him in everyday mode, for example, the TV program for adjusting blinds, lights, curtains, etc. when the user wants to watch TV, etc.

Preferably, as disclosed in clause 16 of the claims, the main unit may be configured to be able to delete recorded sequences corresponding to the sequential transmission of control signals, and the tag or name can be deleted without affecting the rest of the tags and names.

Thus, the program can be removed without creating potential situations that impede the user's actions. If, for example, a user is used to using five programs and, for example, he is used to pressing a key four times to activate a certain program, then there may be an error when, for example, program 3 is deleted, the remaining numbers will be renumbered. When the number “four” is dialed for a specific program, if the position number “three” is left blank, the user can still immediately find and activate the desired program, which will still correspond to pressing four times in a row.

In another preferred embodiment, as disclosed in claim 17, the main unit may be configured to allow editing of recorded sequences corresponding to sequential transmission of control signals.

Thus, the user can easily modify programs that have already been saved, for example, from the point of view of the user experience of operating the system, or when new equipment is installed, etc., instead of having to create new programs from scratch.

- 4 011111

Thus, in this regard, the complexity in maintaining and operating the system is reduced, which also leads to increased user convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will be described hereinafter in more detail in accordance with the following drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a control system comprising a plurality of controllable devices in a house or building;

FIG. 1a — in more detail, a plurality of controlled devices that may be associated with a window;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a remote control of a main unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 - installation in the rooms of the control system;

FIG. 4 illustrates the separation and unification of managed devices into sectors in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5-7 - recording programs and using programmable keys.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As an example of a control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an example of a home automated system or part thereof shown in FIG.

1. The following shows schematically a building, house, apartment, or the like, in which a plurality of devices, such as equipment and lighting devices, which are controlled by the system in accordance with the present invention, are further illustrated in general terms.

A house or apartment 1 can contain a number of rooms, for example rooms 3, 4 and 5, and in these three rooms a number of windows 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 can be located. Further, some of these windows can be provided with awnings 20, 21, 22, 23, which are also shown. It will be obvious that all parts of the equipment are only examples of devices that can be controlled by means of the system, for example one or more remote control panels 25. Such remote controls also in the future relate to the main unit.

Thus, it is obvious that the window 40 may, as shown in FIG. 1a, comprise a window drive, an operating mechanism or an opening device 41, venetian blinds 42 that can be operated by means of an actuator 43, and an awning 44 located on the other side of the window and driven by the actuator 45.

Other examples of devices and equipment that can be controlled by such a system are motor shutters, blinds, curtains, garage doors, attic windows, heating and cooling systems, security systems, lighting equipment, locks, etc.

Devices, equipment, etc., controlled by the system, are associated with auxiliary units, for example, by means of receiving control signals from the remote control (s) and for operating in accordance with the received signals. Such means may include means of receiving and transmitting radio frequencies, although it is obvious that some devices can be connected via, for example, a wired bus, which can serve to transmit signals from a common radio frequency receiver to the corresponding auxiliary units associated with the corresponding devices, etc.

An example of a remote control or main unit 25 is shown further in FIG. 2. This remote control contains radio frequency transmitting and receiving facilities, a power source such as a battery, storage means, control means, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, this remote control includes means of operating in the form of a display 26, a working keyboard 27 for displaying information on the display 26, for selecting options, devices, etc., and a control key 28 for, for example, operating the selected device.

When a system in accordance with the present invention is installed, an initialization or configuration step must be performed using, for example, automatic device registration. This can be initiated by the remote control 25, for example, by means of controls. Such automatic registration may include the transmission of a unique code from the remote control to all remotely controlled devices, such as auxiliary units, which are located near the remote control 25. In accordance with a predetermined procedure, as described in EP 1340198 B1, for example, during this procedure, the auxiliary units will transmit a response signal to the remote control unit containing information about the address and type of the auxiliary unit, for example, window, canopy control, louver controls and t .d

When exchanging addresses and a code, it can occur that the exchange of an address and code will be completed between one auxiliary unit and the main unit / remote control 25 before the exchange between the following auxiliary units and the remote control takes place, and this initialization process can take place sequentially, until the last of the auxiliary blocks passes its address and type, and this code will not be accepted. The configuration sequence of the corresponding blocks can be defined in various ways and can, for example,

- 5 011111 be set by the fact that the block becomes susceptible to the initialization signal at different time intervals, which can be mutually independent and potentially random between the blocks. The unit whose first time interval of perception coincided with the initialization signal will be included in the configuration first, etc.

Obviously, this configuration initialization procedure can be performed in other ways.

When autoconfiguration is complete, the system is ready for operation. The remote control 25 then has a memorized list of devices including the address and type of each of them, for example, window, blinds, canopy, lighting, etc. control devices.

Moreover, the main unit is configured to order the auxiliary units or devices that are now associated with the main unit, in such a way that the auxiliary units shown in the list on the display 26 are arranged according to the type of equipment and with the numbering, for example, the devices are shown first 1 through 7 window controls, then blinds 1 through 5, curtains 1 through 4, and so on. The user can, for example, scroll up and down for viewing this list, for example, using the navigation keys 27a and 27b to search for a device, and in this case, the device can be selected by using the keys 28a, 28b and 28c.

In order to carry out the work of the system simply and logically, the main unit 25 provides the possibility of division or grouping into sectors, for example, groups of available controlled devices, which will be further discussed in detail.

As long as the available managed devices are ordered as described above, the display unit 26 of the main unit will include only two levels, i.e. “Home”, which when selected will be replaced with a list of all devices, or, if the “Find” command is used, The desired type can be found before moving to the level number. This is shown in FIG. 3, where rectangle 30 corresponds to the location of the available devices. Further, it is also shown that when more than two blocks of the same type are present, the main block automatically creates the “all” group, for example, “all window control devices”.

First of all, a room can be set, for example, room 3 in FIG. one.

This can be done by selecting the “menu” and then selecting the menu item where a sector can be created, such as, for example, a room. Further, individual blocks can be selected and placed in the room, for example, by pressing key 27c to enter the block into the “room”. It is important that when a device is selected, it is possible to see which block was selected by pressing key 28 for a short period of time. Then the block can be selected and added to the “room”, as described, until the “room” is fully preserved, such as “Room 1”. This is shown in FIG. 3 as a rectangle 31.

When the room is created, the main unit will offer to save the remaining blocks in the room, for example, “Room 2”, as shown in FIG. H, or if it is rejected, the display will return to the list from which the remaining items / blocks can be selected for the new room, etc. It is important that when a block is selected for a room and the room is saved, this block is automatically renumbered, as also shown in FIG. 3

As discussed above, a “room” may contain controlled blocks in a separate room, for example room 3 in FIG. 1. It selects window control devices 13-16, canopies 21-23 and other types of equipment presented, such as blinds, revolving shutters, lights, etc., are selected, they can be turned off in the same way. When a room has been installed, as described above, by the means mentioned, when at least one or more “rooms” are created, the main unit may include another level. When “Home” is selected, in accordance with this embodiment, it will be possible to choose between “Room 1” and “Room 2”, as shown in box 31 in FIG. 3. Further it will be possible to select all blocks of a certain type or it will be possible to scroll for viewing between the blocks in the room.

Another way of organizing the separation or unification of managed devices into sectors is illustrated in FIG. four.

After initialization of the autoconfiguration, a list containing four windows, three sheds, two lamps and then three “all” groups, as shown at position 30, will be available to the user.

The user now creates a room, “Room 1,” as shown by position 31, containing three windows and one shed. As mentioned above, the “all” group is also automatically created when the room was saved. Further, the remaining devices are associated with the “room”, as shown by the position 32. Now, when the user wants to use the devices, the user can select the “room”, and the user will be able to choose one of two rooms and, subsequently, the device and group ( s) contained in the room.

Moreover, it will be possible for the user to exclude the choice of “home”, as indicated by the position 33, in which case the user will be presented with the option of choosing an individual device type and specifically one of the three devices, etc.

However, the creation of a sector in the form of a zone is also shown in FIG. 4. A zone can be defined as a group that is created on top of already defined rooms.

- 6 011111

If, for example, the user selects, for example, “Window 2” from “Room 1” and “Window 1” from “Room 2” and wants to create a group consisting of them, zone 35 will be created, for example, as “Zone 1”, which includes a group, "Group 1", consisting of two windows.

As mentioned above, such a zone can be renamed, for example, in the "southern zone", through this window in the "group 1" will be identified as windows located in this zone.

As shown in FIG. 1 and described with reference to FIG. 4, it may additionally be possible to create a group containing a plurality of blocks of the same or different types in a separate room, for example group 50 contains awnings 22 and 23 in room 3, or group 51 contains window control devices for windows 10 and 11 in room 5.

As further shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to create a separate group that will refer to the “zone” for the purposes of these applications. This zone contains blocks of the same or different types, but located in different "rooms". This is shown in FIG. 1 with a zone 52 containing, for example, a canopy 20 located in room 4, and a canopy 21 in room 3. When such a zone is created, it becomes possible to work with these devices simultaneously, for example with canopies located on the wall facing south. It should be noted that such zones can not only cover different rooms in one level, but also rooms at different levels, for example, in a house with first and second floor, for example, an attic.

The main unit 25 also has functionality that allows the user to rename specific sectors, such as groups, rooms, zones, etc., into names that can be set by the user and allow the user to easily determine what each sector corresponds to, for example, use “kitchen” , “Bedroom”, “southern facade” instead of using numbers to identify specific sectors.

Further, the main unit 25 provides the possibility that the user can accurately determine the degree of completion, for example, to open a window or group of windows by 40%, which, for example, can be done by selecting a separate element on the display 26, by continuously pressing the key 28a until 40% will be shown on the display, and then the key will be released, after which activation will take place.

Moreover, the main unit contains a means of counting time to provide a delayed activation, or activation, specified in time, which can be performed in a variety of ways. The time counting function can be selected and for individual menu items, for example, a window or group of windows can be selected, work can be selected, for example, open to 100%. Further, the following work can be selected, for example, closing to the position of 10%. The timing tool can be selected to perform the closing operation and installed by the keyboard 27, 28 and display 26.

The main unit 25 also contributes to the creation of elements of programmable jobs that are available for activation, for example, hotel devices, groups, rooms, groups in zones and rooms, etc. that may occur, also including the activation of individual positions and including the use of means of timing, for example, with a delay of activation, activation at a predetermined time, activation in real time, etc.

This is done, for example, by selecting the “Record a program” menu item, the corresponding keyboard operations are performed in order to achieve the desired activation for the selected devices and / or device sectors, and the programs are saved by, for example, pressing one of the soft keys 27e or 27 £ (P1 or P2), of which more than two methods are available.

Additionally, these softkeys 27e and £ 27 can each be associated with more than one program, for example four, five, six, etc., depending on the request of the main unit. For example, as shown in rectangle 60 in FIG. 5, four programs can be associated with each soft key 27e and £ 27. These programs 61 through 68 can be saved as they were programmed, for example, the first program is saved by using key 27e and saved as program P1, the next one saved as P2, etc. The first saved program used with the £ 27 key is saved as P5, etc.

When these programs are executed, the soft key in the request is switched, for example, it is pressed the required number of times according to the program number, for example, in order to execute program P3, key 27e must be pressed 3 times in order to execute program P6, key 27 £ must be pressed twice, etc. It is important that in order to activate this functionality, the key must be pressed relatively quickly, for example, the maximum time between pressing is up to 2 seconds.

In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to edit stored programs, for example, by selecting a desired program from a list showing programs, and selecting an editing function.

Additionally, it is possible to delete one or several programs, in which case the order is preserved, since the remaining programs retain their names. This is shown in FIG. 6, which corresponds to FIG. 5, but with programs 62 and 67 removed. It is shown that remote programs leave empty places, which gives the user an advantage, as the user who is now used to pressing the 27e key three times to activate program P3 will remain in the same condition

- 7 011111 to activate this program, even when this program cannot be called the third program by key 27e. Similarly, with respect to key 27ί, where the user still has to press the key 4 times to start the program P8.

Another way of working with the software capabilities of the main unit allows the user to execute programs cyclically. By pressing key 27e, program 61 is executed once. The next pressing of this key starts program 62, and so on. This can be useful when program activation takes place as part of a daily routine. Thus, the user will be spared the need to remember a particular program, for example, how many keystrokes correspond to a particular program in a range of programs, which gives the user advantages, for example, in a daily routine. For example, there may be a program that the user initiates when he wakes up, the second program is activated when the user leaves the house, the third program is usually initialized when the user returns home from work, and the fourth program that is used when the user goes to bed. These programs can thus be easily activated by pressing a programmable key, for example, P1 only once, and the user then just has to remember to activate the next program in everyday mode. If the user forgets to activate the program, to restore compliance with the daily mode, you can simply press the soft key twice at the next moment in time when the user activates the soft key.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main unit 25 provides the possibility of naming recorded programs and renaming them, which further enhances the usability of the system. The user does not need to remember that, for example, he performs P6, but the user can associate the name of this program, which he sees, with the purpose and functionality of this program. As shown in FIG. 7, programs from P1 to P4, which can be programs for everyday routines, can be called “Good Morning”, “Goodbye”, “Home Again” and “Good Night”. Thus, if the user is not sure that he activated the last program, it will be visible to the user when these names are shown on the display.

As shown above, the user can record and store programs; in addition, standard programs can be provided, for example, programs that most users are supposed to use, possibly after minimal editing. Further, such programs can be available to the user when he acquires new devices that provide greater opportunities for the user, or, for example, in terms of a combination of items that the user has, or, for example, new programs that are specifically designed for such a combination of equipment or combinations of blocks.

If, for example, a user has a certain number of window controllers and has now acquired a certain number of blinds for the above-mentioned windows, a program designed, for example, for sun protection, can be provided from the storage means, then can be transferred to the main unit via, for example, personal computer (PC), and / or can be provided via the Internet. Additionally, in this way, the user can take advantage of new programs that are developed and delivered by the provider (s). Such programs or corrections to already stored programs can be transmitted to the main unit by means of, for example, a cable connection, for example, from a PC, or be transmitted wirelessly, for example, using a radio channel.

Also, the main unit contains one or more software applications containing predetermined sequences of executable control signals, wherein the base unit is configured to activate one or several of the above programs depending on the properties of the system and depending on the confirmation.

Thus, the main unit can store many programs that may be inactive, for example programs that are stored in memory but cannot be executed. When the main unit determines that a property is provided to the system, such as status, a combination of equipment, or a special type of equipment that makes one of the stored programs possibly important to the user, the main unit can “invite” the user to activate this program. Then this program will be activated, that is, it will become executable. The user may reject this offer, or may agree that this program will be active, in which case this program is “loaded” and the user can use this program immediately, or may, for example, adapt this program to fit his individual requirements.

For example, a user who has some managed windows but does not have other managed devices will not be able to benefit from a program that can perform automatic control, for example, Venetian blinds. Consequently, if this program is loaded for use in the main unit, it will only serve as a pretext for the question and may make it difficult for the user to work. However, as soon as the user acquires, for example, Venetian blinds on the windows, the main unit will detect them, the system will be updated, and the main unit will offer the user the advantages of the specified program. If the user agrees, the program will be initiated.

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It is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the specific example described above and shown in the drawings, but can be modified in a variety of ways and used in many applications within the scope of the claims.

Claims (16)

CLAIM 1. A system for controlling a plurality of devices, comprising at least one main unit and a plurality of auxiliary units, wherein the main unit and the auxiliary units comprise means for communicating via a radio frequency channel, wherein the at least one main unit contains means for transmitting the auxiliary control signals blocks, each auxiliary block has a unique address, and each is interconnected with a controlled device, with at least one main block containing means for performing sequential transmission of control signals to at least one of the auxiliary units in response to an indication of initialization, and the main unit contains one or more software applications containing predetermined sequences of executable control signals, the main unit being configured to activate one or more of the above programs depending on the properties of the system and depending on the confirmation. 2. The system according to claim 1, in which the main unit contains a means of timing, to ensure the delay in the execution of the transmitted control signals. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the main unit comprises means for storing information relating to successive transmissions, such as addressing information for specific auxiliary units, control information, information and time, etc. 4. The system of claims 1 to 3, in which the auxiliary units are configured to transmit a response signal for the main unit in response to receiving the control signal. 5. The system according to any one of the above claims, wherein the main unit is configured to transmit a status request signal to auxiliary units that received the control signal, and the main unit is configured to send a status request signal after a time delay corresponding to the time required by the auxiliary unit performing work in response to the received control signal. 6. The system according to any one of the above claims, in which the auxiliary units are addressable by the main unit in a plurality of sectors and in which the main unit also has the means to assign predetermined auxiliary units, and the main unit has a display means by which the predetermined identifiers can be displayed. 7. The system according to any one of the above-mentioned items, in which the main unit is provided with at least one predetermined sequence of executable control signals, which is executed after manipulating the control function keys. 8. The system according to claim 7, in which the main unit is configured to enable modification of at least one predetermined sequence of control signals. 9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, in which the main unit is configured to receive and store one or more software applications containing a predetermined sequence of execution of control signals. 10. A system according to any one of the above-mentioned items, in which the initial indication comprises the activation of a control function key, a signal of a timing device or a signal received from a controller or sensor. 11. A system according to any one of the above-mentioned points, in which the main unit comprises means for recording and storing a plurality of sequences corresponding to the successive transmission of control signals, the above-mentioned means has the possibility of using at least one function key. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the main unit is configured to perform a sequence corresponding to the sequential transmission of control signals by manipulating the above-mentioned at least one function key, and wherein the main unit is configured to perform a specific sequence depending on the way manipulate function keys, such as the number of keystrokes. 13. The system according to claim 11 or 12, in which the main unit is configured to perform a sequence corresponding to the sequential transmission of control signals by manipulating with at least one control function key, and the main unit is configured to perform a specific sequence depending on the manipulations with the aforementioned function key, and the stored sequences are activated cyclically. 14. The system of claim 12 or 13, in which the main unit is configured to assign labels, such as a number or name, a stored sequence corresponding to a sequential transfer. - 9 011111 giving control signals, while renaming is provided. 15. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the main unit is configured to allow removal of stored sequences corresponding to sequential transmission of control signals, wherein the label or name is deleted without affecting other labels or names. 16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the main unit is configured to enable editing of the stored sequences corresponding to